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A driver airbag module has been developed with single stage inflator in an attempt to determine the 05th% ATD measured dummy injury response (“MDIR”) in out-of-position scenarios (two NHTSA positions). Through computer simulations, dynamic MDIRs for in-position 05th%ile and 50th%ile dummies were evaluated as well. It typically takes many design iterations to finalize a driver side module configuration to meet FMVSS208 regulatory conditions. Some typical parameters are tear seam cover design, cushion folding pattern and inflator output. In this paper, a Taguchi design of experiments was used to evaluate the influence of module design parameters. A MDIR comparison between a proposed new driver airbag module with a single stage inflator and a baseline module with a dual stage inflator was made not only for out-of-position tests, but also in-position crash simulations.

Although biomechanical studies on the knee-thigh-hip (KTH) complex have been extensive, interactions between the KTH and various vehicular interior design parameters in frontal automotive crashes for newer models have not been reported in the open literature to the best of our knowledge. A 3D finite element (FE) model of a 50th percentile male KTH complex, which includes explicit representations of the iliac wing, acetabulum, pubic rami, sacrum, articular cartilage, femoral head, femoral neck, femoral condyles, patella, and patella tendon, has been developed to simulate injuries such as fracture of the patella, femoral neck, acetabulum, and pubic rami of the KTH complex. Model results compared favorably against regional component test data including a three-point bending test of the femur, axial loading of the isolated knee-patella, axial loading of the KTH complex, axial loading of the femoral head, and lateral loading of the isolated pelvis.